7 unforgettable Tamil songs that make AR Rahman the ‘Mozart of Madras’

Music maestro AR Rahman took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday (November 19) to announce that he has decided to part ways with Saira Banu, his wife. In an emotional note, the ace composer—who tied the knot with Saira nearly three decades ago— said that this decision represented an ‘unseen end’ for their relationship and left them with ‘broken hearts’.?

AR Rahman, who began his career with Roja (1992), has been an integral part of the film industry for over three decades. During his long and illustrious career, the ‘Mozart of Madras’ has enthralled music lovers with his unforgettable compositions. He has worked with some of the biggest directors and added new life to their work with his tunes. Here is a look at AR Rahman’s finest Tamil songs.

Kaadhal Rojave (Roja,1992)

Rahman made an unforgettable debut with Roja, directed by Mani Ratnam. The film featured several soul-stirring compositions with Kaadhal Rojave being the pick of the lot. Sung by SP Balasubrahmanyam, it captured the pain experienced by the protagonist after being separated from his lover following a cruel twist of fate.

Hamma Hamma (Bombay, 1995)

AR Rahman showcased his versatility as a composer with the catchy and sensuous Hamma Hamma from Mani Ratnam’s Bombay. The song beautifully captured the chemistry? between Shekhar (Arvind Swami) and Shaila (Manisha Koirala) as they spent some intimate moments together after marriage, AR Rahman lent his voice to Hamma Hamma alongside Remo Fernandes and Swarnlatha.?

Ottagathai Kattiko (Gentleman, 1993)

Shankar made his directorial debut with Gentleman, a vigilante thriller with mass elements. The blockbuster is best remembered for its intense action scenes and foot-tapping music. The expertly-shot Ottagathai Kattiko proved to be one of its major highlights with its? colorful visuals and hummable tune.?

Pachai Kiligal (Indian, 1996)

Pachai Kiligal, widely regarded as one of? AR Rahman’s finest compositions, hit the right notes with its slow and soothing tune and meaningful lyrics, which celebrated the small joys of life. Yesudas did complete justice to the simple yet layered composition, helping the song emerge as a blockbuster.?

Mustafa Mustafa (Kadhal Desam, 1996)

Shortly after the release of Indian, AR Rahman delivered yet another successful album with the Vineeth-led Kadhal Desam. The romantic drama explored the complex nature of love and relationships. AR Rahman’s music struck a chord with the youth and helped the film become popular among the youth. Mustafa Mustafa , in particular, became a rage because of the relatable presentation and easy-to-follow lyrics.?

En Peru Padayappa ( Padayappa, 1999)

AR Rahman hit the bullseye once again with En Peru Padayappa, a racy hero introduction song that did justice to Rajinikanth’s reel image. The song’s lyrics built an aura around the protagonist? and added a new dimension to his tense equitation with Neelambari (Ramya Krishnan), his foe. The number was sung by SPB.

Aalaporan Thamizhan (Mersal, 2017)

AR Rahman charmed the masses with effortless ease with Aalaporan Thamizhan, a lively celebration number with highlighted the glory of Tamil culture.?

Sung by Kailash Kher, it topped to charts and proved to be a treat for Vijay fans.

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